Springs & dampers
Considering the critical influences that they have over secure handling, road-holding and braking, it is somewhat surprising that the MOT Test is not more rigorous with assessing the conditions of springs and, especially, dampers. Unless there is a problem with their mountings, physical breakages, or severe leaks, they will pass scrutiny. This leads many owners into a false sense of security, because springs and dampers wear-out gradually. Therefore, it is possible for your suspension to pass the annual inspection, when they are way past their best. To put it into perspective, worn (but not leaking) shock-absorbers can increase your stopping distance at 50mph by as many as six metres extra.
SPRINGS
What goes wrong?
Although it may not be obvious, coil springs and shock-absorbers turn motion energy into heat. Springs support the car’s weight and work in conjunction with the other components, including tyres, to maintain contact with the road. As they age, springs can sag and corrode, reducing the vehicle’s ride-height and prejudicing its handling and braking capabilities. Should your garage have problems establishing correct wheel alignment and you notice irregular tyre wear, the springs could be the problem, although physical breakage is the most obvious issue.
According to KYB, one of the world’s leading suppliers of
